Church of Our Lady of Health

The church of Sancoale built on the southern banks of river Zuari of the village of Sancoale by the Jesuits in the year 1606, was struck by lightening in the year 1834, destroying it totally except the frontispiece which stands erect as a historical monument, to date. As per records, the village of Sancoale, during the period 1600 to 1800 was densely habitated and the large population of village Catholics was divided into 21 parochial sectors for its administrative and religious functioning, by the Church.

Fr. Joseph Vaz was one of the illustrious parishioners of the Church of Sancoale from the years 1651 to 1711. on being ordained priest, he wrote the "Letter of Bondage" at the foot of the alter of Our Lady of Health consecrating himself as a Salve of Virgin Mary, Mother of God, on the 5th August, 1677 and served in the missions of South Canara and Sri Lanka, where he died on 16.01.1711. fr. Joseph Vaz, son of the village, was beatified on 21.01.1995 as "Blessed Joseph Vaz" by Pope John Paul II in Sri Lanka and proclaimed Patron of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman on 16.01.2000 and the Tricentenary of his Death celebrated on the 16th January 2011.

in the year 1839, as there was a mass exodus of the people due to natural calamity of plague and destruction of the Church of Sancoale, the Paco Patriarchal of Goa declared and dedicated the Chapel of "St. John de Baptist" located at Anauli as the "Church of Our Lady of Health Sancoale."

The existing Church premises can accommodate only about 200 faithful at a time and due to vast industrialization and residential expansion of Sancoale village, the rising number of Catholics attending the church services are forced to stand out in the open patio of the Church, specially during Christmas, Holy Week & Easter and Church feasts/other services, therefore the need for additional roof area to the existing church has become imperative. the proposal along with the plans for lateral extension/additions to the existing Church, to accommodate additional 500 -people in the church, are now duly approved by concerned Government as well as Church Extension Project is estimated to cost Rs.75 lakhs. We the Parishioners of Sancoale approach and seek your generous financial assistance to implement this Project at the earliest. Your much valued donation/contribution may be drawn by cheque/demand draft favoring "Fabrica da Igreja de Sancoale".

We sincerely thank you in anticipation and assure our prayers through our Patrons "Our Lady of Health & Blessed Joseph Vaz " to shower their divine blessing so on you, your family and all your endeavors.

God Bless you and best wishes for a Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year2011.

Fr. Martinho Dourado [Parish Priest] Romelo Rodrigues [ Treasurer] John Fernandes [Attorney]

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